Five USMNT Stars Set to Shine Against Ecuador and Australia This October
The United States men's national soccer team has fewer than 250 days remaining before they begin the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American territory.
However, numerous uncertainties remain regarding the squad composition and which athletes will be most compatible with head coach Mauricio Pochettino's tactical approach, which after twelve months still lacks a clear identity in both player selection and playing philosophy.
After suffering a defeat against South Korea and securing a victory over Japan during the September international break, Pochettino suggested that upcoming squad selections would more closely resemble a potential World Cup team, and this appears evident with the October lineup for exhibition matches against Ecuador and Australia.
Simultaneously, the Argentine manager might choose to continue with the 3-4-3 formation he utilized against Japan, which produced the most encouraging display for the USMNT under his leadership, moving away from his typical 4-4-2 setup.
Sports Illustrated examines five athletes to monitor during this period, and you can view the complete roster here.
Christian Pulisic - AC Milan (RW)
No athlete enters training camp with better form than Christian Pulisic, who is displaying some of his finest football with AC Milan during the opening weeks of their campaign, alternating between right wing and striker positions.
Across six matches thus far, he has netted four times and tops Serie A's scoring charts, quieting numerous critics from the summer when he chose to skip the Concacaf Gold Cup to prepare for the Italian season.
With the USMNT, however, he hasn't found the net since a November 2024 Nations League fixture versus Jamaica, and has yet to establish a deadly attacking partnership with Folarin Balogun, who seems to be the preferred striker going forward.
Meanwhile, should the 3-4-3 formation continue, his position as a wide player could enhance both his contribution potential and, consequently, the overall performance level the USMNT can achieve. Ultimately, the strongest USMNT is guided by a confident Pulisic, and October might mark the first opportunity in years for that potential to meet expectations.
Antonee Robinson - Fulham (LB)
The USMNT is bringing back Fulham defender Antonee Robinson for his first appearance in 2025, following Pochettino's decision to exclude the 28-year-old from recent squads. Physical setbacks have also limited his availability.
The Fulham player will likely resume his left-back starting position, though may need to adjust to a left wing-back role in the new system, with Charlotte FC's Tim Ream as the potential left center-back partner. Additionally, Pulisic is the probable starter ahead of him, making the left flank a crucial area.
Since Robinson's last call-up, Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten has performed admirably at left-back and showed promise as a wing-back against Japan. Nevertheless, his position will probably return to Robinson, given the refined quality of the Premier League player.
The sole limitation for this window is the incomplete backline, as Sergiño Dest couldn't join camp due to exhaustion, despite featuring for PSV Eindhoven over the weekend, preventing Pochettino from evaluating a complete back three with wing-backs.
Matt Turner - New England Revolution (GK)
Matt Turner started 2025 as the presumed number one for the USMNT. However, following a disappointing showing at the 2025 Concacaf Nations League finals in March, he has dropped in Pochettino's hierarchy.
While he featured sparingly during his stint with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest in England, there was optimism that a transfer to Ligue 1 and Olympique Lyonnais could stabilize his career. However, financial difficulties at the club brought him back to MLS with the New England Revolution, where he previously earned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2021.
Though returning from Europe might have appeared as a regression, Turner has strengthened New England's defensive stability, recording two shutouts in nine appearances while conceding 14 goals.
Nevertheless, he continues to struggle with distribution—such as the turnover shown below following a hurried clearance, which went directly to Lionel Messi's feet in a 4–1 defeat to Inter Miami.
Can he make an impression at camp, or will he slide further down the depth chart? Pochettino's squad includes four goalkeepers, and he appears to rank third, behind New York City FC's Matt Freese and Columbus Crew SC's Patrick Schulte, but ahead of Chicago Fire FC's Chris Brady.
Haji Wright – Coventry City FC (ST)
No American forward has displayed better form than Haji Wright during the past two months, as the 27-year-old has tallied nine goals across five matches to top the Golden Boot standings in the EFL Championship.
While he has netted five times in 17 international appearances for the U.S., Wright has rediscovered his scoring ability with Coventry City under manager Frank Lampard and has continued developing his skills, bringing his total to 40 goals in all competitions since joining the English side.
With the USMNT striker situation remaining somewhat unsettled, his current form could secure him substantial playing time at the 2026 World Cup, but he must begin demonstrating it on the international stage, and there's never been a more opportune moment.
Diego Luna – Real Salt Lake (CM)
Diego Luna was the headline story of the summer for the USMNT. However, it was a disappointing display against South Korea and Japan, as he encountered tougher opposition during the September international window. Now, the Real Salt Lake midfielder must demonstrate he deserves his place as World Cup preparations continue.
While Luna emerged prominently last season with Real Salt Lake and handled being overlooked for the U.S. U-23 Olympic squad gracefully, he has struggled on an underachieving RSL team in 2025, despite recording nine goals and seven assists across 26 matches.
Throughout the Gold Cup, he demonstrated his capacity as a dynamic, creative attacking midfielder, but has faltered against superior opposition, including in the Americans' loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final.
Although Pochettino favors him, and he seems secure for a World Cup position, a disappointing October window could affect his future role—and potential prospects of transferring abroad in winter, which he apparently needs to advance as an impactful player against quality teams.
Should Pochettino also maintain the 3-4-3 formation he employed against Japan, it could further complicate Luna's aspirations.